Houston Chronicle Exposes Sexual Abuse Among Southern Baptists

The Houston Chronicle reports that over 20 years, 250 people who worked or volunteered in Southern Baptist churches have been charged with sex crimes. The Chronicle goes on to say that much of this was covered up or overlooked. Here’s the link to the article, https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/Southern-Baptist-sexual-abuse-spreads-as-leaders-13588038.php.

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and Al Mahler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary have written responses to the Houston Chronicle’s article. Also the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, JD Greear, has appointed a group whose purpose is to consider how Southern Baptists at every level can take discernable action to respond swiftly and compassionately to incidents of abuse, as well as to foster safe environments within churches and institutions.

I appreciate the above mentioned leaders responses to the evil we Southern Baptist have allowed in our midst. I’m greatly saddened that it took so long for us to listen to the ones abused by those who worked or volunteered at our churches. In 2007, Wade Burleson, pastor and twice president of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, recommended the creation of a database to track sexually abusive ministers. The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention eventually denied Burleson’s motion, stating that it would be impossible to ensure that all convicted sexual predators who ever had a connection with a Baptist church would be included in such a database.

I am greatly saddened and angered at how our leadership ignored the cries of the abused and wounded. It’s absolutely WRONG! UNACCEPTABLE! DEPLORABLE! I don’t have enough strong language to voice my protest!

As a licensed therapist I help the ones abused and misused by others. I am confronted regularly with their open wounds and broken hearts. The very ones that were to protect them often abused and used them (About 90% of children who are victims of sexual abuse know their abuser. Only 10% of sexually abused children are abused by a stranger. Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.) http://www.d2l.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/all_statistics_20150619.pdf

My heart grieves…hurts for these precious ones.

As disciples of Jesus we are to bring ALL evil to the light of His presence. Beginning with that which is in us and then that which is in others. We cannot stand by while others are hurt and used, especially not “little ones” (Matthew 18). And God forbid that we turn a blind eye to any form of abuse, especially child abuse!

Report abuse to the authorities. First the leaders of the church then the local authorities. Sexual abuse, as all other abuses, are 100% WRONG. God did not design us to be abused and hurt by another! NEVER! The number for the National Child Abuse Hotline is 800-422-4453. Put this number in your phone so you have it as needed. The NCA can connect you will local authorities who are to step in and aid the hurt child. PLEASE report!